Lester and Gomes spell out what this winning season means

Michael Silverman Saturday, September 21, 2013

Three Septembers have come and gone since the last celebration in the Red Sox clubhouse. Last night's felt like a long time coming, especially to Jon Lester, who knows all too well about what the Red Sox have been through since their brief 2009 Division Series appearance.

“It doesn’t seem like yesterday -- it’s kind of like riding a bike, you don’t really forget how to spray champagne,’’ said :ester, whose 100th career win was just the latest in what has been a standout second half. “It’s a great night. All the guys that have been here the last three years have been through a lot of ups and downs and downs and ups, I hope those guys really let this soak in, sit back and enjoy it.’’

Jonny Gomes said he knew the veterans had a chip on their shoulder when he joined the team in Fort Myers.

“Since the days of spring training, obviously it took more than 25 guys but 25 baseball junkies, just playing ball the right way,’’ he said. “I know the core guys here, I know Pedey, and Ells and Big Papi and they were not going to allow last year to happen again.”Gomes spoke with a soldier’s helmet on his head.“It’s time to put your hard hat on,’’ said Gomes. “It’s definitely not done. This is going to be for 24 hours but it’s been about seven months in the waiting so we’re definitely going to celebrate this one.”As the players celebrated what they always felt could come to them if they worked hard enough, Gomes issued a challenge almost to fans who might still be on the fence.“I don’t think we’re too concerned about that but there is room on the bandwagon if people want to jump on,’’ he said.